Softball Game Preview: Tonopah Muckers vs. Pahranagat Valley Panthers

Tonopah hasn't had much luck against Pahranagat Valley recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Muckers will look to defend their home field against the Panthers at 1:00 p.m. Tonopah has given up an average of 13 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Tonopah is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They came up short against Round Mountain, falling 16-2. That's two games in a row now that the Muckers have lost by exactly 14 runs.

Meanwhile, Pahranagat Valley unfortunately witnessed the end of their ten-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell just short of Moapa Valley by a score of 13-11.

Hadee Walch was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She tossed seven innings while giving up just one earned (and 12 unearned) runs off ten hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.

In other batting news, Lynda Hatch was cooking despite her team's loss, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs. Alivia Walch was another key player, getting on base in two of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.

Pahranagat Valley's loss dropped their record down to 16-8. As for Tonopah, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-11.

Pahranagat Valley's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Friday. Tonopah has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Pahranagat Valley, though, as they've been averaging only 2.8 strikeouts. Will Tonopah keep running through batters, or will the Panthers buck the trend? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.